Competitive Cyclist

SANTA CRUZ NOMAD

What do you call something that set the bar when it gets better? The standard's replacement? "New and improved" doesn't begin to explain.

This is our predicament with the Santa Cruz Nomad. Since its introduction, the original Nomad arguably defined the all-mountain category and forced the industry to react. Like any paradigm-changing design, the reason it caught on wasn't that it was different, but because the differences opened our eyes to a new kind of ride. "Shreddable" is a word for the world that unfolded before our eyes as we realized the possibilities that the Nomad offered.

For 2009, the redesigned Nomad offers even more possibilities. Santa Cruz has tweaked the Nomad's Virtual Pivot Point (VPP) suspension design to minimize chain growth by some 15 to 20% -- pivots have been moved, chain stays shortened, and the front triangle redesigned. The result? A suspension that is always active and smooth, thanks to a flatter suspension curve. Those who have trouble visualizing a flatter curve, think of it this way -- the falling rate will be less dramatic at the start and stay pretty steady. It never feels like you're bottoming out, even when the curve is going up (more gradually now) at the bottom. And you'll be using every last one of the 165 millimeters of travel. If that wasn't enough, the instant center of the rear suspension now sits lower, which improves stability and traction under braking loads.

The rear swingarm is attached to the frame with two links -- the VPP lower link, and a molded carbon upper -- and oversized 15mm pivots with locking axle-pins. The pivots run on sealed bearings with one-way purging seals. Like all Santa Cruz bikes, the bearings have a lifetime warranty. The big pivots and sealed bearings make for a bike that is extremely laterally stiff, nor will the pivots creak or loosen. The lower link has easily-serviceable grease ports for easy maintenance (grease gun and grease included), ensuring your suspension will stay smooth for a long while. And, leaving no detail overlooked, the Nomad features titanium pivot hardware to shave every last gram.

The standard shock with the Nomad is the new Rock Shox Monarch 3.3 -- a lightweight shock that has a Solo Air Spring that works for both the push and pull, and a great, linear feel. For an additional $127, one can upgrade to the Fox DHX Air shock -- a great position-sensitive shock with a two-position lever for moderating the platform and great overall adjustability. Or for a $292 upcharge, one can opt for a Fox DHX RC4 Coil shock -- great on everything from small stutter shudders to big hits.

This frame builds into a bike that is light enough for all mountain riding, but has the travel and geometry to optimize for a more aggressive intent. Worry not though, the front end is all about having the bulk to resist the forces that pull apart lesser frames, but not at the expense of weight -- the Nomad lightened up by a couple ounces for 2009, tipping the scales at just 6.9 pounds. The head tube, set on a 67-degree angle, is externally-butted and designed to work with 1.5" headsets and forks from 160-180mm travel. Hydroformed 6000-series aluminum oversized top tube and oversized down tube provide plenty of surface area for hearty welds. ISCG-05 tabs make for easy chainguide installation. For those who are uncertain of the conditions they are to face, tires up to 2.7" in width can fit in back. And, braking shouldn't be an issue either, as the Nomad accepts rotors up to 203mm.

The Santa Cruz Nomad is powder coated in your choice of Black, Lime, Liquid Blue, Red, White, or Yellow. Or for an additional $300 (assessed after checkout) it can be anodized Green or Slate (please note -- Santa Cruz has informed us that anodized frames are delayed, and delivery is not expected until spring 2009). It requires a 30.9mm seat post, and 34.9mm top swing top pull front derailleur. The bottom bracket shell is 73mm wide. And perhaps best-of-all, the right dropout has a replaceable derailleur hanger with a built-in bottle opener. The weight for a large with Rock Shox Monarch 3.3 shock, according to Santa Cruz, is 6.9lbs (3.136kg). The frame has a two year warranty against manufacturing defects, while the bearings are guaranteed for life.

If you'd prefer a complete Nomad with a Santa Cruz pre-configured package, please click here.

US Santa Cruz dealers are prohibited from shipping Santa Cruz bicycles outside of the United States.

2009 Santa Cruz Nomad Pricing